Connect with us
Prague Gaming & TECH Summit 2025 (25-26 March)

Fintech

SEC Charges Fund Manager and Former Race Car Team Owner with Multimillion Dollar Fraud

Published

on

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Washington, D.C.–(Newsfile Corp. – April 23, 2021) – The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged Andrew T. Franzone, former owner of a race car team, and investment adviser FF Fund Management, LLC (FFM) with fraudulently raising and misappropriating tens of millions of dollars from the sale of limited partnership interests in a private fund, FF Fund I LP.

The SEC’s complaint alleges that Franzone, the sole owner and principal of FFM, defrauded investors by making misrepresentations regarding the fund’s strategy and investments, failing to eliminate or disclose conflicts of interest, misappropriating fund assets, and falsely representing the fund would be audited annually. According to the complaint, from August 2014 through Sept. 24, 2019, Franzone told potential and existing investors that his investment strategy for the fund was to maintain a highly liquid portfolio primarily focused on options and preferred stock trading. Franzone allegedly raised more than $38 million for the fund from approximately 90 investors through these representations.

In reality, as alleged in the complaint, Franzone diverted substantial fund assets to an entity he owned and invested the fund’s remaining assets mainly in highly illiquid private companies and real estate ventures. The complaint also alleges that Franzone’s management of the fund was subject to numerous conflicts that he did not eliminate or disclose, and that he misused fund assets. For example, Franzone took personal loans from the founders of at least two companies in which the fund invested, pledged fund assets to secure other loans for his own personal benefit, and misappropriated fund assets for personal uses, including the purchase of a garage to store his private race car collection. Finally, the complaint alleges that Franzone and FFM removed a critical safeguard for investors by failing to have the fund audited on an annual basis despite representations they would do so. The fund filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 in the Southern District of Florida on Sept. 24, 2019.

“Investment advisers must provide honest representations to investors, disclose or eliminate conflicts of interest with clients, and not abuse client assets,” said Adam S. Aderton, Co-Chief of the Enforcement Division’s Asset Management Unit. “We allege that Franzone and FFM violated federal securities laws by breaching these fundamental obligations.”

The SEC’s complaint, filed in federal court in Manhattan, charges Franzone and FFM with violating the antifraud provisions of the federal securities laws and seeks disgorgement of ill-gotten gains, civil penalties, and permanent and conduct-based injunctive relief.

In a parallel action, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York today filed criminal charges against Franzone.

The SEC’s ongoing investigation is being conducted by Marie K.N. DeBonis, HelenAnne Listerman, Margaret M. Vizzi, and Brian Fitzpatrick. The case is being supervised by Corey A. Schuster of the Asset Management Unit. The SEC’s litigation will be led by Duane K. Thompson and supervised by Jan Folena. The SEC is being represented in the fund’s bankruptcy by David W. Baddley under the supervision of Alistaire Bambach. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Powered by WPeMatico

Fintech

Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Plaid, Warner Bros., TransUnion, Monevo, FinVolution, CreditTech, Glenbrook Partners)

Published

on

fintech-pulse:-your-daily-industry-brief-(plaid,-warner-bros.,-transunion,-monevo,-finvolution,-credittech,-glenbrook-partners)

 

Op-Ed: The Dawn of a Fintech Spring

As the financial technology sector continues to navigate the complex post-pandemic landscape, recent developments suggest a revitalized period of growth and innovation. Key players are making bold moves, partnerships are forming, and underserved markets are gaining attention. In this briefing, we explore the latest headlines and what they reveal about the industry’s trajectory.


Plaid Reports Growth in Revenue and Usage Rates

Plaid, the connective tissue of the fintech ecosystem, has shown remarkable resilience and growth. The company’s CEO recently highlighted a surge in both revenue and usage rates, describing the current period as a “fintech spring.” This growth comes as consumer demand for seamless financial solutions remains high, despite macroeconomic challenges.

Plaid’s ability to maintain relevance is tied to its strategic partnerships and continuous innovation. By enabling applications like Venmo and Robinhood to thrive, Plaid underscores the importance of integration in fostering user trust and utility.

Source: Bloomberg


Warner Bros. Discovery Strengthens Board with Fintech Leadership

Warner Bros. Discovery is diversifying its board by bringing in SoFi CEO Anthony Noto and outgoing IAC Chief Executive Joseph Levin. This move signals the increasing influence of fintech expertise beyond traditional financial sectors. With Noto’s leadership in digital banking and Levin’s extensive background in technology-driven enterprises, Warner Bros. Discovery is positioning itself for a future that seamlessly blends media and financial technology.

This cross-industry synergy could lead to innovative offerings, bridging gaps between entertainment platforms and fintech applications, such as micro-investing and personalized financial recommendations for content consumers.

Source: Reuters


TransUnion to Acquire Monevo

Credit reporting agency TransUnion has announced its plans to acquire Monevo, a leading credit prequalification and distribution platform. This acquisition aims to enhance TransUnion’s capabilities in the credit technology space, allowing it to offer more personalized and accessible financial solutions to consumers.

Advertisement

By integrating Monevo’s platform, TransUnion is expected to provide lenders with advanced tools to better assess creditworthiness while empowering consumers with prequalified loan offers. This development is particularly timely as consumers increasingly seek transparency and efficiency in credit processes.

Source: TransUnion Press Release


FinVolution Highlights CreditTech Opportunities in Southeast Asia

Ming Gu, Senior Vice President of FinVolution, emphasized the transformative potential of CreditTech in Southeast Asia during his address at the Asian Financial Forum. With a significant portion of the region’s population still underserved by traditional financial institutions, CreditTech presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap.

Gu pointed out that leveraging AI and data analytics can help tailor credit solutions for diverse needs, ultimately fostering financial inclusion and economic growth in these emerging markets. FinVolution’s insights reaffirm the critical role of fintech in empowering underserved communities.

Source: PR Newswire


Glenbrook Partners Launches On-Demand Learning Program

Payments consultancy Glenbrook Partners has introduced an on-demand learning platform designed to educate professionals in the payments industry. This initiative is expected to address the growing need for skilled talent as digital payment ecosystems expand globally.

The program offers modular content covering foundational and advanced topics, catering to professionals at various stages of their careers. By equipping individuals with in-depth knowledge, Glenbrook is contributing to the industry’s sustainability and growth.

Source: PR Newswire


Analysis and Takeaways

These stories collectively highlight a few key trends shaping the fintech landscape:

  1. Resilient Growth: Plaid’s trajectory reaffirms that consumer-centric innovations drive sector resilience even during economic uncertainties.
  2. Cross-Industry Integration: Warner Bros. Discovery’s board appointments underline fintech’s permeation into traditionally non-financial domains.
  3. Strategic Acquisitions: TransUnion’s acquisition of Monevo showcases how established players are leveraging fintech to enhance service offerings.
  4. Global Inclusivity: Efforts by FinVolution and others highlight the role of fintech in addressing global financial disparities.
  5. Education and Skill Development: Initiatives like Glenbrook’s program reflect a proactive approach to fostering a knowledgeable workforce.

 

The post Fintech Pulse: Your Daily Industry Brief (Plaid, Warner Bros., TransUnion, Monevo, FinVolution, CreditTech, Glenbrook Partners) appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Fintech

io.finnet and Cede Labs Partner to Transform Multi-Exchange Portfolio Management for Institutions

Published

on

io.finnet-and-cede-labs-partner-to-transform-multi-exchange-portfolio-management-for-institutions

 io.finnet, a leader in digital asset infrastructure, has partnered with  Cede Labs, to introduce a solution for centralized exchange (CEX) connectivity. This collaboration provides institutional clients with a streamlined, secure platform for comprehensive multi-exchange portfolio management.  Through this integration, io.finnet clients can now access leading exchanges such as Binance, Coinbase, Bybit, OKX, Kraken and more with features tailored for institutional-grade governance and operational efficiency.

Institutional digital asset management faces increasing complexity as businesses demand more secure and efficient tools to oversee diverse portfolios.  With 70% of institutional investors expecting a surge in digital asset-focused funds, the need for secure and efficient multi-exchange solutions has never been greater.

“Businesses require solutions that simplify the complexity of managing assets across exchanges while maintaining the highest standards of security.” said Jacob Plaster, CTO of io.finnet. “Through our partnership with Cede Labs, clients can seamlessly connect their exchange accounts and manage their entire portfolio within a unified, secure environment.”

Unlike traditional offerings, io.finnet’s integration with Cede Labs introduces secure account-linking capabilities, allowing clients to effortlessly connect and unlink their exchange accounts while adhering to strict governance protocols. Unified tracking capabilities further enhance this solution, enabling users to monitor their portfolios across all connected exchanges in real-time. This includes the ability to oversee spot and trading wallets, derivatives positions, and sub-accounts under a single pane of glass, a feature few competitors offer at this scale.

Pierre Ni, CEO of Cede Labs, highlighted the impact on institutional workflows: “We are proud to collaborate with io.finnet to redefine digital asset custody and management. By unlocking new use cases for corporates, market makers, liquid funds, foundations, and fintechs through CEX connectivity, we believe io.finnet can grow to become one of the top self-custody players.”

This partnership is particularly timely as market demand for interoperable solutions continues to rise. The integration will eliminate the need to navigate multiple platforms and provide institutions with real-time visibility across their digital asset holdings, enabling seamless exchange connectivity and enhanced risk management.

io.finnet is committed to enhancing its exchange connectivity capabilities with deposits, withdrawals, trades, and sub-account transfers to further streamline asset management workflows. Stay tuned for exciting updates as we expand the possibilities of our Exchange Connectivity feature.

The post io.finnet and Cede Labs Partner to Transform Multi-Exchange Portfolio Management for Institutions appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

Continue Reading

Fintech

Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain (

Published

on

blocks-&-headlines:-today-in-blockchain-(

 

Welcome to Blocks & Headlines, your comprehensive daily briefing on the transformative world of blockchain. Today, we explore groundbreaking partnerships, economic innovations, and blockchain-powered initiatives redefining the future.

Sony Ventures Into Blockchain With New Identity Solutions

Sony has unveiled its latest blockchain-based digital identity solution designed to enhance privacy and security in the online space. This innovative system uses decentralized technology to manage digital credentials, making identity verification seamless and secure.

Sony’s venture reflects a broader trend among tech giants exploring blockchain’s potential to reshape data privacy and authentication systems.

Source: Sony Press Release


TRON’s Daily Revenue Skyrockets 119% in 2024

TRON has reported a staggering 119% increase in daily revenue, a testament to its innovative blockchain economic models. By leveraging smart contracts and a scalable infrastructure, TRON continues to attract developers and businesses seeking cost-efficient blockchain solutions.

This growth positions TRON as a leading player in the competitive blockchain ecosystem, setting benchmarks for others to follow.

Source: Bitcoin.com


MIGMIG Partners With XT.com to Bring Blockchain Rewards

MIGMIG, a blockchain gaming and rewards platform, has partnered with XT.com to expand its reach and user engagement. This collaboration aims to deliver unique blockchain-powered rewards while enhancing the gaming experience for users worldwide.

Advertisement

The partnership highlights the increasing intersection of blockchain technology and entertainment, opening new avenues for user interaction.

Source: Bitcoinist


Nano Labs Supports the Inaugural Presidential Crypto Ball

Nano Labs has announced a partnership with the Inaugural Presidential Crypto Ball, emphasizing its commitment to fostering blockchain awareness. This high-profile event aims to bridge the gap between blockchain innovators and policymakers, paving the way for broader adoption.

The initiative underscores the importance of collaboration between the blockchain community and governmental bodies to shape the future of digital assets.

Source: PR Newswire


Bybit Card Partners With EnTravel for Luxury Travel Perks

Bybit has teamed up with EnTravel to offer its cardholders exclusive discounts on luxury travel experiences. This partnership integrates blockchain-powered payment solutions with high-end travel services, providing users with unparalleled convenience and value.

The move exemplifies how blockchain technology can enhance traditional industries, offering innovative solutions tailored to modern consumer needs.

Source: PR Newswire


Key Insights and Industry Trends

  1. Decentralized Identity: Sony’s blockchain-based solution addresses growing concerns over online security and privacy.
  2. Economic Innovations: TRON’s revenue surge highlights the profitability of scalable blockchain networks.
  3. Gaming and Blockchain: Partnerships like MIGMIG and XT.com showcase the potential of blockchain in entertainment.
  4. Policy and Collaboration: Nano Labs’ involvement in the Crypto Ball underscores the importance of industry-government dialogue.
  5. Luxury Integration: Bybit and EnTravel demonstrate blockchain’s ability to enhance traditional services.

 

The post Blocks & Headlines: Today in Blockchain ( appeared first on News, Events, Advertising Options.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending